SNL's Season 50 Finale: A Sudden End and Uncertain Futures

The season 50 finale of SNL wrapped up in a hurry on May 17, sparking curiosity about potential cast departures. The show ended abruptly, cutting straight to a commercial for a canceled show, "Suits L. A. " This unexpected move left viewers wondering if the cast was hinting at changes. The finale wrapped up at 1:02 a. m. , two minutes past the usual time on the East Coast. Scarlett Johansson hosted the finale, marking her seventh time on the show. This achievement makes her the female host with the most appearances, surpassing Tina Fey and Drew Barrymore. Her presence added a touch of star power, but the real talk was about who might be leaving. Bowen Yang's emotional goodbyes during the finale raised eyebrows. Fans noticed his heartfelt hugs with castmates, leading many to speculate that he might be moving on. Yang had previously hinted at a potential exit, mentioning in an interview that he would leave the show "at some point. " His reflections on life after SNL suggested he was considering his future beyond the show. Mikey Day and Heidi Gardner also seemed sentimental, sharing multiple hugs with the cast and crew. This display of affection added to the speculation about potential departures. The finale also left fans wondering about the future of Colin Jost and Michael Che, who have been a staple of the "Weekend Update" segment. Che had previously joked about not returning, adding fuel to the rumors. Johansson's hosting gig included a memorable moment with Che and Jost. During the "Weekend Update" segment, Che apologized for a previous joke comparing Johansson's "vagina to Costco roast beef. " This exchange highlighted the show's playful banter and the personal dynamics among the cast. Johansson's history with the show includes multiple appearances and a significant presence in the 50th-anniversary special. The finale featured notable guests like Mike Myers and Bad Bunny, adding to the star-studded lineup. Johansson's hosting history includes six previous appearances, with her first in January 2006. Her frequent cameos and sketches have made her a familiar face on the show. Alec Baldwin leads the list for male hosts, with an impressive 17 episodes.